Giggleton returned to his fortress to prepare for his task. Inside his lounge, proudly displayed on a tatty side table, was his most precious possession—his only possession. Perfectly polished and glimmering in the sunlight was his crystal ball. To locate the last Gem Maker, he would need to ask nicely.

Giggleton pulled a pair of white cotton gloves from his sideboard drawer and slid them on. Light as a feather, he ran his hands over the globe and asked, "Please show me the last Gem Maker."

Expectantly, he watched and waited while wispy white smoke filled his crystal ball. As the smoke cleared, the image of a maiden with fair hair, rosy cheeks, and light eyes appeared. Giggleton peered closer at the fairy perched on top of a giant toadstool.

*

Rose's day started like any other...

The Gem Makers' small, thatched cottage was situated beside the Brook of Spells, home to the water sprites, and her life was one of solitude and safety.

When she was ten, Rose hiccupped her first diamond—much to the dismay of her parents. Fearful their beloved daughter would attract the attention of less desirable creatures, they hid her with the Queen of Sprites. A compassionate queen, Clarrisa promised to protect Rose for the rest of her long life and Rose had lived peacefully for the last fifteen years, sheltered from the world and the dangers lurking within the fairy realm.

That morning, Rose had completed her chores, eaten her breakfast, and washed up. With nothing else planned, she went for a stroll, following the babbling brook until she reached the Whispering Woods. Rose checked her surroundings, and sure the sprites working along the riverbank wouldn't miss her, she ducted out of sight and wove her way through the trees.

Free of her guardians, she followed the trail of bluebells until she reached a small clearing in the woods where a ring of toadstools grew, each large enough to sit on. She kicked off her shoes, hitched her long skirt into her waistband, and heaved herself onto the toadstool. Its slippery surface made this tricky, but Rose had done this before. Once on top of the toadstool, Rose's legs dangled, and she faced the sun.

In silence, she waited. It didn't take long for her friends to arrive. With a flutter of silk-like wings, a swarm of butterflies surrounded her. Rose lifted her hands above her head and chuckled as they brushed against her skin, landing on her fingers and the blanket of tall grass and wildflowers. She tried to control the urge to giggle, but before she could stop it, her giggles turned into a hiccup and three diamonds fell from her lips, sparkling as they tumbled to the ground. Regardless of how often this happened; it was still a shock when the gems appeared.

A sudden spark of magic transformed her emotions into precious stones. Her abilities were the reason for her exile. The greedy and unscrupulous desired to own her. She desired freedom. This was her curse, and there was no cure.

*

Giggleton spied on Rose from behind a tree. When she hiccupped three diamonds, he slapped his hand across his mouth to stifle an excited squeal.

How amazing!

He'd heard of such fairies but never seen one. Now, just feet away sat a Gem Maker and soon she would be his...

"Are you lost, Miss?" Giggleton called from his spot behind the tree.

Startled by him, Rose slid down from the toadstool and every butterfly fluttered away, leaving her alone with the odd goblin.

"Don't be frightened, I mean you no harm," he lied, creeping out of his hiding place.

"Who are you?" Rose picked up her shoes and took a step back.

"Giggleton, Miss. My name is Giggleton."

Rose looked to her left, to where the Brook of Spells ran.

"What are you doing here alone?" Giggleton shuffled even closer.

"Nothing. I'll be going now."

Rose turned to leave but stopped when she heard Giggleton's whistle. It was hard for him not to smirk as the ground quaked. "Stay where you are, Miss," he yelled.

The clearing fell into darkness as a gigantic creature blocked the sun. When the dragon swooped towards her, Rose dropped to her knees with her hands protecting her head. By the time she looked up, Giggleton was right beside her. In his palm, he held the three diamonds she'd hiccupped.

"Please," she sobbed. "I want to go home."

Giggleton slipped the diamonds into the pocket of his tunic. "That's not possible. Someone wants to meet you. Rufus, it's time we left."

The dragon scooped Rose up with his enormous claws and once Giggleton had climbed onto his back, Rufus flapped his wings and headed for his home.

Word count 2783